Jane Graves was a beacon of light and hope to all of those who knew her and were blessed to call her friend. As someone who was determined in her fight against cancer, Jane completed a victory lap less than two months ago at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, marking her fourth year as a cancer survivor. As encouragement for countless others fighting cancer, Jane used her talents through her writing to tell of her experiences. Through a series of inspirational articles, she literally changed and impacted the lives of numerous cancer survivors she never even had the opportunity to meet.

  The victory lap during the Relay for Life was symbolic of more than Jane’s bout with cancer, it was also representative of her selfless nature in life. She took great joy in helping others and worked tirelessly to create a strong sense of community in Nashville. As a co-founder and co-publisher of the Nashville Leader, she was a highly acclaimed and respected journalist who consistently kept the residents of Nashville informed with the latest news and community events. Her coverage earned her awards from the Arkansas Press Association, the National Newspaper Association and the National Federation of Press Women, among others.

  During her 35 years in Nashville, Jane was determined to leave her mark not just as a journalist, but also as an activist. She helped found the annual Howard County Children’s benefit golf tournament, she was a recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year Award, she was a board member of the Howard County Children’s Center and she served as a past President of the Nashville Rotary Club.

  I send my deepest condolences to her husband, Louie Graves of Nashville; her daughter Julie Murphy of Little Rock; her mother Glenna Siddon and stepfather Rupert Mobbs of Greenbrier; her brother and sister-in-law Bill and Pam Siddon of Great Falls, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. Jane Graves will be greatly missed in Nashville, Southwest Arkansas and throughout the state of Arkansas, and I will continue to keep her family in my thoughts and prayers.